The Middleton Fire Department was formed in 1901 in the wake of a fire that destroyed the downtown of Middleton in 1900.

It was recorded that the fire was reported at 6:30 pm on June 19th, 1900.  The origin of the fire was the Hoffman Roller Mill, the site of the current Senior Center.  A strong wind fed a fire that burned everything along Elmwood Avenue to the west (to the current Parmenter Street) and to the north (to the current University Avenue).

At the time, there was no organized fire service and no water system.

After the rebuilding had started, discussions about organizing a fire department began.  The Middleton Times Tribune wrote,

"When this is done, or even before, let 20 or more of our vigorous young men organize a hook and ladder company with a small engine and plenty of ladders 'long enough'.  The people of Middleton need have no fears that such a disaster will ever happen again..."

On February 4th, 1901, 22 men signed their name  to the following statement, forming the Middleton Fire Company No. 1.

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Last modified: 01/17/08